Biophilia

Biological Reserve & Environmental Education Center

Top Best Meals in Costa Rica

If you’ve ever been to Costa Rica, you may already be aware of some of the traditional dishes here. This article outlines some of the best Pura Vida dishes that you NEED to try on your next vacay in CR.

1. Gallo Pinto

Gallo Pinto is a traditional breakfast dish that consists of rice, beans, cilantro, onion, and sweet peppers mixed and fried together to make a delicious combination. It is often served with sweet plantains, scrambled eggs, and sausage.

2. Arroz con Pollo (Rice with Chicken)

Arroz con pollo is served in almost every restaurant and little soda across the country, this flavorful dish is made with, you guessed it, rice and chicken, but also different vegetables are chopped and added in different variations along with delicious seasonings. It’s a go-to dish for locals when it comes to reunions, parties, or celebrations.

3. Patacones (fried plantains)

Patacones are almost like chips, basically, you take plantains and chop them up and then fry them, after you fry them, you squish them down so they are flat like a chip, then fry them again, add salt and eat with guacamole, salsa, refried beans, or by themselves! They are a great appetizer or great after an afternoon at the beach!

4. Arroz con Leche (Rice with milk)

Arroz con Leche is a delicious dessert. It’s made with rice, milk, evaporated milk, condensed milk, and more depending on whose recipe you use! Raisins are also commonly put in this dish!

Now that you know everything, you just have to try them all!